'American Idol 8' - Week five wrapup and more

Felicia Barton has replaced Joanna Pacitti in the top 36 of 'American Idol 8.'

We've certainly become accustom to 'Idol' drama over the years, but rarely does anything of any real significance happen prior to the semifinal rounds. Not so this year! Last week, almost immediately following the top 36 selection show, 'Idol' issued a press release announcing that Joanna Pacitta was out and Felicia Barton was in. Apparently, Pacitti's close friendship with two 19 Entertainment executives was deemed unacceptable.

The debate continues as to why the producers didn't simply edit Pacitti out of the selection show, but the fact remains that the Internet roar over Pacitti's experience and close connections was too loud for them to ignore.

Meanwhile, Felicia Barton has winged her way to L.A. without benefit of more that a minute or so of screen time during the audition shows. Her husband Loren offers details of how his wife learned of her surprise inclusion in the top 36 on his Facebook page. Long story short, Felicia and her husband were at an 'Idol' viewing party at their church, watching the top 36 show when executive producer, Ken Warwick, called Felicia and told her to pack her bags. He also asked that she not tell anyone until the official announcement was made.

Felicia will face an uphill battle to make the top 12, but if she sings well enough in her round, viewers may empathize with her situation and give her the nod.

Idols at Disneyworld

The new 'American Idol' Experience attraction at Disneyworld opened with a flourish last week, bringing together all seven 'Idol' winners along with an assortment of runners-ups and other finalists. Guests at the special invitation-only party were treated to performances by David Cook and Carrie Underwood, which included a duet by the pair on Fleedwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way." Season 3's Kimberley Locke interviewed some of the Idols (click here) at the end of the parade.

David Archuleta to tour the UK with McFly

Season 7 runner-up David Archuleta is set for a spring tour with UK punk band McFly. It seems a strange pairing, as Archie is anything but punk, but this will give his British fans an opportunity to see him perform. The tour starts April 21 in Wolverhampton and wraps May 9 in Leicester.

Jennifer Hudson wins big at NCAAP Image Awards

Last week was a good one for Jennifer Hudson. On Sunday, she picked up a Grammy for Best R&B album and wowed the audience with an emotional performance of "You Pulled Me Through." On Thursday, Jennifer's win-streak continued as she picked up three NCAAP Image awards - Best New Artist, Best Duo (for "I'm His Only Woman," featuring Fantasia) and best album (for her self-titled Jennifer Hudson). In addition, she sang an impassioned "Impossible Dream" to honor Muhammed Ali, who sat on the stage as she was singing. Watch the video below.